Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic

Today we travelled via bus to the tiny town of Cesky Krumlov. We heard it had the 2nd biggest castle in the Czech Republic (next to Prague's) and since we love castles, we had to go.

Here is the view from the top of the castle. It was sizeable and we got an informative tour from a Scottish educated Czech man with a very difficult Czech-Scottish accent.

Ahhhhhh Budvar. If you don't know, Budvar is the original Budweiser. The Anheuser Busch company stole the name, slapped it on it's crappy beer, and sold it like gangbusters in America. Now the original (begun in 1265) must sell its beer as "Czechvar" in America. Budvar dark is like a lighter version of Guinness. My personal favorite beer on earth.

The best part of our visit her was staying in this 14th century tower! We had a cozy room at the top, for just $55! I love eastern Europe.

Prague, Czech Republic

Typical Czech house address sign.

The Prague Metro has some great modern art. We rode it all over.

The Czechs were more or less given away to Hitler by the French and the British in 1939. The Nazi's swept in and had control of the country practically overnight. With no support from the soon-to-be allied forces, they had no chance and it was a bloodless takeover. Luckily for us today, that means all of the gothic achitecture of Prague still stands, unlike so much of Europe which was devestated in the war.

Prague is truly magical. It is our consensus favorite city we've seen.

Prague, Czech Republic

Today we hopped on the train to Prague. This was our first experience with train travel in Europe, and it was really enjoyable. The train is more comfortable then a bus or a plane. You can get up and walk around and stretch your legs. You get to look at all the scenery with out having to stare at another vehicle. There are no bumps in the road, just the clackety-clack of the rails. Flying is faster, but you miss everything along the way, and you arrive feeling confused and disconnected with your destination. For me, train travel is the best form of transportation ever made.
This trip was also exciting as it was our first trip across what once was "The Iron Curtain". Intellectually, I knew the Czech republic was part of the EU and NATO, and fully westernized but I still wondered if there would be some strange problems at the border. I would have the same nervousness before each successive border, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey. All would end up being easy transitions, I think you never completely lose that nervousness at borders no matter how much you travel.

Well, The Czech Republic is very pretty, and old town Prague is simply amazing. We had never been to a city with a true old town before, and we really spoiled ourselves by visiting Prague first. Cities all over the world are characterized as "The New Prague" and for good reason. It's brightly painted, perfectly preserved 17th century buildings, surrounding cobblestone squares, linked to the 14th century Charles Bridge makes for a magical place.